Complete Cowboy Casserole
Ingredients
1 cup of chopped onion
1 can of corn
2 pounds ground beef
2 tsp minced garlic
½ cup milk
1 large bag of frozen tater tots
1 can of cream of onion soup
¼ cup sour cream
2 cups shredded Cheddar Cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350*
Layer half of the tater tots in the bottom of a baking dish
Put the meat and the onion into a skillet and cook thoroughly
Drain any excess grease
Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds
Mix in the soup, milk, sour cream, corn and 1 cup of the cheese along with the salt and pepper.
Stir to combine well with the meat
Spread the meat mixture over the layer of tater tots
Place another layer of the tater tots on the top of the meat mixture
Sprinkle with the remaining cheese
Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until the tater tots are crispy and the cheese has melted
Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 650 calories | Protein: 35 grams | Carbohydrates: 45 grams | Dietary Fiber: 4 grams | Sugars: 6 grams | Fat: 35 grams | Saturated Fat: 15 grams | Cholesterol: 100 milligrams | Sodium: 1200 milligrams
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef if you prefer a leaner option.
It will alter the flavor slightly but still work well in this casserole.
What can I use as a replacement for cream of onion soup?
If you can’t find cream of onion soup, you can substitute it with cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup.
The flavor will be different but still delicious.
Are there any alternatives to tater tots?
If you want to switch things up, you can use frozen hash browns or even diced potatoes as a substitute for tater tots.
It will give the casserole a slightly different texture but still taste great.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this casserole in advance and refrigerate it before baking.
Simply assemble the layers, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate.
When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before baking as directed in the recipe.
What are some optional toppings or garnishes?
You can customize your cowboy casserole with various toppings like diced green onions, chopped fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños for heat, or even a dollop of sour cream after it’s done baking to add extra flavor and freshness.
Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground pork, ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a meat alternative like plant-based crumbles if you prefer.
Can I make this casserole without cream of onion soup?
If you don’t have cream of onion soup, you can use cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, or cream of celery soup as alternatives.
They will add different flavors but will still work well in the recipe.
Are there any variations for the cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar cheese is commonly used, you can experiment with other cheese varieties like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses to customize the flavor to your liking.
Can I add vegetables other than corn?
Yes, you can customize the casserole by adding vegetables like diced bell peppers, green beans, or peas along with the corn for added color and flavor.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time and freeze it?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole and freeze it before baking.
Just cover it tightly with foil, label it with the date, and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
When ready to enjoy, bake it directly from frozen, but you may need to increase the baking time.